
As the United States prepares to host the FIFA Club World Cup, concerns over international travel, fan safety, and economic uncertainty are threatening to dampen enthusiasm for the tournament.
The tournament will bring 32 professional club teams from around the globe to 11 U.S. cities, with a $1 billion prize pool. Seen as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Club World Cup is facing a distinct lack of buzz both at home and abroad. The expansion of the field from seven to 32 teams has diminished the event's exclusivity, and ticket sales appear to be slow.